Skip to main content Making Tax Digital: what you need to know to get it done
Doing starts with knowing. Here you’ll find clear answers on who’s affected by the legislation, when the key deadlines are and what to do next.
Accountant or bookkeeper? Visit our MTD information hub for a range of resources.
What is it and when is it happening?
Making Tax Digital (MTD) is the government’s initiative to implement a fully digital tax system in the UK for Income Tax and for VAT (MTD for VAT arrived in 2022). Taxpayers will need to keep digital records and use MTD-compatible software to make their tax submissions electronically.
April 2022
MTD for VAT applies to all VAT-registered businesses
April 2026
MTD for Income Tax applies to most self-employed individuals and landlords with qualifying income over £50,000
April 2027
MTD for Income Tax will apply to most self-employed individuals and landlords with qualifying income over £30,000
April 2028
MTD for Income Tax will apply to most self-employed individuals and landlords with qualifying income over £20,000
Helpful guides to Making Tax Digital
Get on top of Making Tax Digital for Income Tax with our library of guides.
Year one of MTD for Income Tax: a step by step guide
Blog
Here’s what MTD for Income Tax will actually look like for sole traders and landlords.
How do I sign up for MTD for Income Tax?
Guide
Signing up is a manual process - HMRC will not do it for you. But don’t worry, this guide is here to help.
14 MTD for Income Tax terms you need to know
Guide
Qualifying income, quarterly updates, penalty points: master the jargon with our simple MTD glossary.
MTD for Income Tax: qualifying income explained
Guide
Learn what counts as qualifying income and how HMRC uses it to decide whether you need to follow the new rules.
Making Tax Digital for Income Tax: 12 common myths busted
Blog
Urban legends aren’t going to help you prepare for Making Tax Digital for Income Tax, but we can.
MTD for Income Tax: what landlords need to know
Guide
Find out everything landlords need to know about Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax.
Everything you need to submit your quarterly updates and final declaration
Guide
Mistakes to avoid when filing your MTD quarterly updates and final declaration
Guide
Here’s how you can dodge some common Making Tax Digital filing errors.
MTD for Income Tax: penalties and how to avoid them
Guide
We explain the new rules around fines - so you don’t get caught out.
MTD for Income Tax: what does it mean for you?
Guide
Qualifying income, quarterly updates, penalty points: master the jargon with our simple MTD dictionary.
Events and webinars
Sole traders: get MTD done with FreeAgent
Webinar recording
In this webinar for sole traders, we de-mystify how you’ll have to submit your information to HMRC and show what MTD for Income Tax will look like in FreeAgent. [30 mins]
Landlords: get MTD done with FreeAgent
Webinar recording
In this webinar for landlords, we de-mystify how you’ll have to submit your information to HMRC and show what MTD for Income Tax will look like in FreeAgent. [30 mins]
MTD for Income Tax: your questions answered
On-demand webinar
Learn the MTD for Income Tax essentials - what it is, who it impacts and when, plus some of the trickier topics - in this pre-recorded, interview-style webinar. [30 mins]
Latest MTD for Income Tax news
6 April 2026
MTD for Income Tax: lessons from people who’ve already filedWe spoke to dozens of MTD early birds to bring you real-world lessons from the people who have already experienced the new system. This is what they wanted you to know.
Tips, news and inspiration for every small business
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Getting MTD done with Dom
‘There’s no trick to your taxes’
The magician
Chris Wall feels confident he’s ready for MTD, thanks to FreeAgent.
‘I know very little about MTD’
The gardener
Emma Cooper is just starting to dig into what the new tax rules will mean for her.
‘MTD is coming, so get prepared’
The accountant
Bright Ideas Accountancy is working hard to get clients ready - and bust MTD myths.
‘Some are frightened - but I’m ready’
The producer
At the studio where ‘Blue Monday’ was conceived, Dean Glover isn’t feeling down about MTD.
FreeAgent can help you prepare for Making Tax Digital
FreeAgent’s powerful automation features can help get your accounts in order for digital filing with minimal hassle. Check out all the other ways FreeAgent can help you stay on top of your business finances.
Accountants and bookkeepers, join our free Partner Programme and access exclusive discounts for your clients.
